Mount Congreve

It features, for example, among the pages of The Irish Garden, Jane Powers' definitive book on the subject, accompanied by dreamy photographs of its famous ...

This is the time to order replacements, bearing in mind that demand is high this year right across Europe as a result of many gardeners finding themselves in the same predicament. By then, Ambrose Congreve was in his late seventies and his garden at Mount Congreve was already home to a unique collection of plants. In his essay on Mount Congreve, Peter Dale wrote that Ambrose Congreve “set his sights upon a certain kind of immortality”, something he’s surely achieved with this garden. But these details aside, it marks the beginning of a new, exciting and very important chapter in the history of Mount Congreve, which was left in trust to the State by its former owner and creator Ambrose Congreve. You’re waiting for a little seedling to get to the point where it’s mature enough to flower, to make a final decision on whether it’s truly garden worthy. As his successor, a lot of White’s own work has been about decisively and skilfully editing that planting as it has matured. It was Rothschild – a man who once memorably described himself as “a banker by hobby- a gardener by profession” – who really sparked Congreve’s deep love of the quartet of spring-flowering woody plants for which his Irish woodland garden has since become world famous. This month sees the formal opening of this great Irish garden to the public, with a range of modern facilities in place. Certainly there’s a whiff of Bond about Congreve that inclines you to believe that glimmers of the man have been woven into Fleming’s best-known character. Take a look at any authoritative list of the great gardens of Ireland and you’ll find Mount Congreve on it. In his book, The Irish Garden: A Cultural History, the poet and lecturer Peter Dale calls it “a world class garden ... Situated on 76 steeply sloping acres of acidic soil with views out over the winding River Suir, Mount Congreve’s mature woodland gardens in rural Waterford were Congreve’s enduring passion, one sustained unfalteringly until his death in 2011, after an extraordinary life that some say inspired the writer Ian Fleming, his lifelong friend.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD ...

In addition, it is momentous that the house at Mount Congreve officially opens to visitors for the first time, this is phase one of this project area and we look forward to opening more of the spaces in the house over the coming years.” This represents spend in the Waterford region of €6.45m annually and the spend generated because of this investment will indirectly support 174 jobs annually. The work started by Mr Congreve has continued through this transformative project and the result is a world-class visitor experience and a new shining jewel in Waterford’s tourism crown. It has also delivered the commercial plan, retail offering and restaurant to ensure the financial sustainability of this beautiful place for future generations. His ashes were returned to Mount Congreve and placed in the temple overlooking his gardens and the River Suir below. It is the first time that part of the historic Mount Congreve House will officially open to visitors. It is a wonderful testament to the commitment and dedication of the Mount Congreve staff, stakeholders, Waterford City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Government departments that have brought this vision to reality.” Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD, said: “The Investment of €1.2 million made by Fáilte Ireland towards this world-class tourism destination will, without doubt, open the south east region to a raft of new visitors. The glass roof courtyard with its original architectural features retained is now home to a serene new visitor centre and café, which overlooks the magnolia treetops. Enhancements have also been made to the garden infrastructure which includes new pathways and a woodland playground for families. A new orientation and wayfinding system is in place whereby visitors can now explore three different walking routes peppered with creative interpretation and play features that tell the story of Mount Congreve and its botanic collection. Inspired by Mr Lionel de Rothschild’s exceptional garden at Exbury in Hampshire, work began on Mount Congreve Gardens in the 1950s.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister for Tourism and Culture, Catherine Martin TD, have today officially opened ...

“Mount Congreve is also part of Fáilte Ireland’s Digital that Delivers programme, which has transformed the online booking system at the attraction and makes it more visible, and importantly bookable, to domestic and international visitors. The Minister also visited Dunmore East for a naming ceremony of a new Sea Safari boat and replacement equipment, funded under LEADER. Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland added: “Investing in standout attractions and unique experiences is a key element of attracting international visitors to Ireland and encouraging domestic tourists to explore different areas of the country. It is anticipated the visitors attracted to Mount Congreve will spend a total of €64.5 million in the area by 2033. It has also delivered the commercial plan, retail offering and restaurant to ensure the financial sustainability of this beautiful place for future generations. A world class attraction open to the public today.

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